Thomas County cat., 1887-03-17
formed it was a loon, bird that NO

to stay with us at night. One evening
when he came he said there was q
rumor that the Sioux Indians were kill.
ing the settlers. We both passed q
very uneasy night. In the morning he
left saying: II will ascertain the truth
and come and tell YOU" He had only
been gone short time when he return
ed. saying: 1T is true. Get ready
quick" l Hastily tied on bonnets, and
in a short time We were fleeing to
town. while. in Imagination, saw an
Indian behind every tree. When we
reached town the men were in groups
talking over what was best to be done.
Husband sent out two couriers, one to
st. Peter to learn the worst, and the
other to all the settlements near, say.
ing if they would come with their FAM
lilies and build stockade around his
house he had plenty of provisions for
all; also guns and ammunition. Thanks
to the trading qualities of the Indians
he had secured some thirty or MOI e
guns. and had also several revolvers.
Not one responded to his offer, but
all wished to buy gun. He said: Il
have no guns for sale, but you
are welcome to use them if you stay
here. The men with families, and
some without. began fleeing to St.
Paul. The news from St. Peter was
not encouraging. and at length my
husband said: ..What shall it be? Shall
We stay or go?" l answered.: "All we
have in the world is here. We will
stay and defend it." l learned after
ward that was the only woman in the
country around us that stayed.
Husband then called the men of the
town together, and while they were
devising means of defense l nodded
bullets. 1t was arranged that when
danger threatened all were to run to
our house. In the meantime boards
were gotten ready to barricade the
door and windows. The ammunition
was all placed upstairs. where, at the
slightest alarm. and the children were
to 60. l was also instructed how to
supply them with powder, shot and
bullets. The men all assembled every
night at our house, where they re-
manned till morning. Each gun and
revolver was loaded and in readiness.
Our quiet little home presented a
strange appearance. with guns stand
ing around like an arsenal, and the
floor strewn with boards, hatchets,
axes and nails. Never shall / forget
those days of fear and dread, not
knowing whether another day would
find us living.
One night we had quite fright. All
the men had assembled but one. He
had a store, and, thinking the danger
over, decided to stay in his own house.
He was the owner of a rifle, and
thought he could defend himself. About
ten o'clock We were all startled by ter
rifle screams. that seemed to draw
nearer. Every one sprang to his feet,
all murmuring with one breath 1.-The
Indians" The children and I were
hurried upstairs. A loud knocking at
the door caused all to hesitate. The
knocking was repeated. My husband
cautiously opened the door. and discov-
cred our friend, who informed them
that some Winnebago Indians had
called him from his bed, wishing to
buy something. AS they had always
been friendly, he thought he would
open to them. He no sooner unbolted
the door than they rushed in, and,
reaching for his gun, he didn't stop to
dispute with them, but started for our
house, giving yell at every jump. On
investigation next day the men con-
cluded it was just case of burglary,
and afterward the Indians were COM
PEELED by the agent to return the rifle.
We could hear occasionally from diff
ferent sources that the Indians were
killing. burning houses and carrying
off women, but, fortunately for rs. they
never reached our place. Gradually
as the weeks Wore on the rumOrs
ceased and the people began to return
to their homes. and things began to
look bright once more. Yet little of
the old fear hung about us. To show
an instance. we went fishing one day,
and while intently watching our lines
a sharp crack caused us both to look
up. Then another crack. and husband
began to gather up his fishing tackle,
saving: II think the safest place for
us is at home" happened just then
to let my eyes light on some water
lilies near us. when one of the buds
opened and we heard the same report.
Why" said l. IL think it's the water
lilies" Sure enough. as each bud burst
in bloom the same report was heard.
but it had taken away all our desire for
fishing that day.
At another time we were frightened
by the appearance of q strange band of
Indians. They proved to be a party of
Indians with Il paper stating that they
were a harmless band who had permis- |
sion - leave the reservation and visit |
the towns near to amuse the people |